Segregates are a homegrown York band that constantly seem to bring an unapologetic storm of pure punk rock fury wherever they go, making them a true force in the local rock and metal scene. Fresh off the release of their riotous new single No Rhyme or Reason (with we reviewed in our recent Mosh review), we decided to sit down and have a chat with Smell from the band about their local roots, their new single and much, much more.
By Jane Howkins
We’ve covered you a few times before at various gigs in York. How has your year been so far?
This year has been pretty slow to be honest – we have played only Blackpool twice!
Once at the waterloo bar for the annual Motorhead day and this past Sunday at the Winter Gardens for Rebellion Festival on the Club Casbah stage. We have also had a personnel change with Dr Horn being replaced on guitar by Ed, also known as the MC5.
You have a new single out titled No Rhyme or Reason. What can you tell us about the record?
No Rhyme or Reason and its b-Side titled Makes Me Sick (only released on vinyl) are both about the current state of punk rock bands who pander to what ever trend is ‘in fashion’, whether that be musically, politically or socially. We feel bands shouldn’t pander to anyone – especially regarding social media trends and algorithms.
What was the writing and recording process like? Did you record locally?
The single and b-side were recorded in Barnsley by Jack at DC Studios. We rehearse there regularly and decided to give Jack a go at producing/engineering. We are all very happy with the results. The record itself was pressed here in York by George and his team at Vinyl Press UK. Again, very happy with the product, our mate Phil B designed and printed the sleeves over in Leeds.
We had written the two tracks a while ago for the next album, but with the booking for Rebellion fest coming in, we decided we needed a new something quick to release at the festival. During tracking at DC we did have a rather strange and unpleasant encounter with two idiots drunk driving and eventually crashing into Jacks car… it’s a long story…
Do you plan to release any more singles anytime soon?
We do plan on recording a new single and b-side this year as the first release with the MC5 on guitar.
It’s been quite a while since you released an album. Do you have an EP or album planned for release in the near future?
As for the long (non) awaited second album, that has always been the plan, but with the curse of Segregates never far away it’s yet to happen. Ideally, we need another label to get involved as costs are high and promotion is not my strong point…
You’ve been going since 2010. How do you keep things fresh? Do you think your songwriting has changed much over the years?
We are quite picky with the gigs we do these days, gone are the days of doing free gigs to no one for nothing. We’ve been lucky with the offers that have been coming in and that’s what keeps it fresh for us. We’ve played too many badly promoted gigs for no reason other to drink in a grotty hotel after – we can do that at home!
Who are your main influences? What have you been listening to recently?
Motorhead, Inepsy and Wu Tang Clan.
Do you have any tour dates lined up locally?
Our next home turf gig is at the Fulford Arms on the 11th September supporting HI FI Spitfires for TV’s Over Promotions.
Any last words for the fans?
If you want us to play, badger your local promoters for decent shows and actually turn up to them! If you want more records, buy the new 7inch!
Much appreciated! Drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die!
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